Robert Merrill

Originally published in the Britannica Book of the Year. Presented as archival content. Learn more.

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Alternative Title:
Moishe Miller

Robert Merrill, (Moishe Miller), American opera singer (born June 4, 1917, Brooklyn, N.Y.—died Oct. 23, 2004, New Rochelle, N.Y.), employed his powerful, precise baritone voice for some 31 seasons (1945–75) at New York City’sMetropolitan Opera, where he was especially noted for his performances in the operas of Giuseppe Verdi. Besides being hailed for filling such roles as Germont in La traviata and the title role in Rigoletto, however, he also was renowned for his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which for many years from 1969 was a season-opening tradition at Yankee Stadium. Merrill was honoured with the National Medal of Arts in 1993.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Karen Sparks, Director and Editor, Britannica Book of the Year.

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